Director of Marketing and Communications

Position: Director of Marketing and Communications

Hours: Full-time, exempt 

Salary: $115K-$132K annually, DOE 

Location: Hybrid work environment that requires approximately 3 days/week in-person work at the Central Library in downtown Los Angeles, plus attendance at occasional offsite events.

Benefits: Excellent benefits including paid medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, 13 paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave policies, and a 20% discount at The Library Store.  

Reports to: President and CEO  

About the Library Foundation of Los Angeles 

The Library Foundation of Los Angeles (LFLA) provides critical support to the Los Angeles Public Library resulting in free programs, resources, and services available to the hundreds of thousands of adults, children, and youth in Los Angeles. We accomplish this mission through fundraising, advocacy, and producing innovative programs that strengthen the Library and promote greater awareness of its life-changing and dream-fueling resources.  

We recognize that libraries are bigger than buildings and more than books, and we are eager to build on our past success by continuing to identify opportunities to help the LAPL (Los Angeles Public Library) thrive as a responsive, resilient, and dynamic institution that meets the evolving needs and improves the lives of Angelenos all across the city. In our work we reinforce our core values, including empathy, curiosity, accountability, adaptability, high achievement, learning, and collaboration, and we prioritize upholding justice and equity in the workplace. In addition to fostering an active DEIJA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Accessibility) committee, we are dedicated to providing professional development, centering team building, and mirroring the welcoming and inclusive environment of public libraries. We love ideas, learning, and making an impact–and are looking to recruit colleagues who share these passions.

Position Description

The Director of Marketing and Communications will oversee all Library Foundation of Los Angeles (LFLA) communications, including development communications, marketing (email, digital, other), social media, website, video, branding, media relations, advertising, and overall messaging. 

The Director of Marketing and Communications will be a collaborative and strategic leader, excited to work across teams to deepen stakeholder engagement, support fundraising, increase audience development and event participation, and amplify the Foundation's mission and message. This position reports to the President and CEO and works closely with the Chief Development Officer to develop high-level communications strategies that align with the Foundation's goals and objectives. This individual also oversees the Communications Assistant and consultants. 

Responsibilities

Strategic Marketing

• Develop and implement integrated, high-visibility communications plans for fundraising campaigns and appeals (direct mail and digital), public programs, membership, events, donor recognition/stewardship, and The Library Store, including its e-commerce site; create and manage proactive organization-wide marketing and communications calendar, ensuring timely deliverables.
• Ensure a growing digital and social media presence that deepens engagement, drives program and event attendance, and increases philanthropic support..
• Conduct relevant market research, monitor trends, analyze the impact and ROI of all marketing communications and programs, and identify appropriate cross-promotional marketing opportunities.
• Promote efficiency using methods such as predictive communications, automation of prospect engagement, and artificial intelligence.
• Develop and implement Marketing and Communications budget.

Communications

• Serve as LFLA’s principal storyteller and content producer: convey the urgency and relevancy of our work, illustrate our impact, and inspire stakeholders to action, particularly towards financial support.
• Manage PR consultant and/or digital marketing agency relationships, working in tandem to increase KPIs to raise awareness about and/or deepen media coverage for the LFLA.
• Execute production of media relations efforts including press releases, alerts, interviews, pitches, and any media events, with the support of the Communications Assistant and consultants when appropriate.
• Act as a LFLA spokesperson when needed and as media relations liaison, including working closely with LAPL Public Relations colleagues; provide media and communications training and support to LFLA staff, when necessary.
• Write speeches and presentations for the executive leadership and other staff members, as needed.
• Manage and mentor Communications Assistant.

Brand Management

• Create compelling marketing collateral (emails, brochures, website content, social media content, presentations) and companion materials (audio/visuals – photos, videos, etc.) for successful campaigns and events across all LFLA departments.
• Evolve the design, branding, and style guides for LFLA communications materials and tools.
• Serve as the strategic lead for LFLA’s website refresh including content strategy and development, site architecture, and search engine optimization.
• Source and manage freelance talent as needed, including: writers, editors, photographers, videographers, designers, and other external partners. 
• Other duties as necessary to ensure organizational success.

Requirements

• 5-8 years of professional experience in communications and marketing, preferably within a fundraising organization.
• Experience designing, managing, and executing highly successful communications strategies with measurable results.
• Experience leading some or all of the following functions: email marketing, event promotion, website management and development, direct mail communications, social media marketing, media relations, and market research. 
• Strong leadership, creativity, compassion, and execution skills. Ability to create new ideas, self-direct, delegate, and implement projects with an outcome-oriented mindset.
• Creative vision; ability to ideate and produce stellar content and collateral, including through basic graphic design skills and/or management of freelance talent.
• Ability to execute on a number of diverse projects simultaneously; comfort with taking initiative and making progress amidst competing priorities.
• Strong organization and project management skills.
• Superb verbal and written communications skills.
• Comfort with or ability to quickly learn software such as Mailchimp, Cision, Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, Raiser’s Edge CRM, Flickr, etc.
• Passion for libraries, literature, and ideas preferred.

Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 

COVID-19 Workplace Safety Requirements 

• LFLA requires all employees to receive COVID-19 vaccinations as determined unless reasonable accommodations are approved. This position is currently hybrid with remote and in office activities.
• Occasional requirements include interacting with employees, donors, vendors, and others who may or may not be vaccinated or recently tested. You will be required to wear personal protection equipment (PPE) required by the LA County Department of Public Health protocols and the LFLA. 

The Library Foundation of Los Angeles (LFLA) is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with antidiscrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates. LFLA prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. LFLA conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations. LFLA provides reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact hr@lfla.org.